Taupō could justifiably be considered the adventure capital of the North Island. From bungy jumping to e-biking, geothermal adventures and visiting secret spots on the lake, check out these four great activities to tick off on a weekend escape.
1. Taupō Bungy
Taupō is home to New Zealand’s only cliff-top bungy jump site. Even if you’re not brave enough to take the plunge yourself, the location offers spectacular views over the mighty Waikato River. Here, just after it leaves the lake, the river is deep, turquoise and filled with swirling whirlpools. Enticing to look at, and if you’re feeling extra-gutsy, to dip into at the full extent of your 47-metre bungy drop. Step off the cantilevered platform, or pick your jump style from the handy reference menu of techniques including a swan dive, backwards, or elevator drop. As the crew say, it’s best to leap before your brain catches up. Alongside the classic bungy jump, the Taupō site also offers the North Island’s only giant swing. Tandem or solo, you’re hitched into a seated harness and released across the valley at scream-inducing speeds of up to 70km/h.
Leap off New Zealand's only clifftop bungy platform in Taupō. © Jo Percival
2. Ōrakei Kōrako
Warm up on a chilly morning at Ōrakei Kōrako Geothermal Park. 30 minutes drive north of Taupō and reached on a short ferry ride across Lake Ohakuri (which is actually a dammed section of the Waikato River), you’ll find a hotspot to rival the geothermal activity in Rotorua. With geysers that sporadically spurt boiling water, sulphurous steam and incredible colours created by a range of mineral deposits, you can get up close to volcanic activity that has been occurring on this site for thousands of years. The central zone of the park focuses on Kei Runga te Mania, ‘The Artist’s Palette’ which was formed by hydrothermal eruptions between 8,000 and 14,000 BC. Up to 20 million litres of mineral-rich water discharge across the silica flats every day, creating ideal conditions for algae growth. The green algae swirls with brown, orange, yellow and pink silica and clear blue pools, making it easy to see how this part of Ōrakei Kōrako got its name. The park is also home to one of just two geothermal caves in the world. Ruatapu Cave is a soaring hole in the rock dropping 35 metres down to a small lake known as Waiwhakaata ‘the pool of mirrors.’ Take your time to wander the pathways and boardwalks lined with lush native bush.
Ōrakei Kōrako in Taupō is an incredible geothermal spot. © Jo Percival
3. Ride the Huka River Trails
The best way to explore the 14km loop from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam is by e-bike. Although the trail is a Grade 2-3, so relatively easy going and family-friendly, the electric boost is a welcome addition to get you up some of the steeper hills. Hire bikes from the friendly team at FourB at The Hub and set off on riverside adventure bookended by the phenomenal power of the river at Huka Falls and, if you time it right, the Aratiatia hydroelectric dam release. Parts of the trail wind through bush and can get muddy, so be prepared for splatters, but the riverside pumice paths are generally flat and fun. Along the way you’ll get great vantage points over the Huka Prawn Park and in behind Wairākei Resort a rest stop to soak your feet in the warm geothermal waters of the stream is recommended!
Discover the mighty Waikato River and hidden geothermal streams on the Huka River Trails. © Jo Percival
4. Taxicat Adventures
The Western Bays of Lake Taupō that extend from Kinloch can only be reached on the Great Lake Cycle Trail that wraps around the lake’s perimeter – or by boat. The lake itself is massive with a shoreline stretching 195km and a surface area the size of Singapore. Onboard a Western Bay Taster cruise with Taxicat Adventures you’ll get to experience the secret spots that are otherwise inaccessible. Think incredibly clear water – jewel-toned as it reflects off the pale pumice bottom – phenomenal rock formations in the soaring rhyolite cliffs popular with climbers, ravines and frothing waterfalls that tumble into the lake. Otupoto Falls is the largest waterfall discharging into the lake and you’ll get close enough to touch it as the boat noses into the narrow crevice of rock. Ashore at Kotukutuku Bay you can take a short bush walk to discover another waterfall which is particularly impressive after rain. The trip also includes a picnic stop on a pristine, deserted beach with freshly brewed local coffee or hot chocolate.
Taxicat Adventures takes you to secret spots around the Western Bays of Lake Taupō. © Jo Percival
